Fall Abortions: Is Seasonal Infertility Playing a Role?

Nosing Around the Barn

Over the past month, we've had calls about sporadic abortions in herds of all sizes, affecting both gilts and sows at various stages of gestation. Seasonal infertility, sometimes called Autumn Abortion Syndrome, may be part of the picture. But it's rarely the whole story.

Easy to Digest

As day length shortens after June 21, pigs' reproductive hormones respond, and breeding performance can dip. Seasonal losses tend to show up early in pregnancy, often as returns to estrus. Abortions scattered across gestation are more likely to have another cause: infection, feed problems, or stress. That's why diagnostics come first.

Tasty Tips | 4 Things to Do Now

1. Run diagnostics first. Submit fresh aborted fetuses and placenta, chilled, not frozen. Test for PRRS and other reproductive infections. Blood samples from the aborting sow can help too.
2. Test your feed. Have old- and new-crop grain tested for mycotoxins, and ask us about mitigation options.
3. Reduce sow stress. Limit rough handling and fighting. Timing matters: mix sows right after breeding or once early pregnancy is established, not in between. Synthetic pheromones such as FerAppease Swine may reduce fighting after mixing; ask us if it fits your herd.
4. Manage lighting. Use timers for a consistent 14–16 hours of light daily, with about 8 hours of darkness at night. Quick check: you should be able to read a newspaper easily at sow eye level. Clean dirty fixtures and replace dead bulbs.

The Last Bite

Seeing abortions? Call us before disposing of tissues, so we can help you collect the right samples.

Call (573) 588-6110